The Farnborough Airshow brings new endorsements for Airbus’ commercial and industrial strategies

In reviewing the 115 new sales and commitments announced during this week’s international aerospace industry gathering at Farnborough Airport, President and CEO Fabrice Brégier said that under his new leadership, Airbus will maintain the focus on evolving the company’s aircraft family while ensuring its responsiveness to customers.

“We continue to invest in our success stories,” explained Brégier, who assumed the top executive responsibilities at Airbus last month. “The management transition has been very smooth, and I kept the same team – which has worked together very well for the past five years – while also evolving the company’s organizational structure. This smooth transition is the right thing for our shareholders, for our customers and for the continuation of our programme activity.”

Airbus’ decision to increase the maximum takeoff weight of its widebody A330 jetliner – a step announced at the Farnborough Airshow – was cited by Brégier as an example of the investment strategy. “This decision, combined with our commitment to ramp up the production rate, should maintain the A330’s success during this decade…and probably beyond 2020.”

Only two days after the A330’s takeoff weight increase was revealed, U.S.-based transportation finance company CIT Group became a launch customer with a booking at Farnborough that includes the enhanced aircraft, further expanding the company’s already large portfolio of A330s.

Airbus’ action last year to improve the A350-1000 version of its A350 XWB widebody jetliner family with a higher-thrust engine and an increased takeoff weight was validated as well at the 2012 Farnborough Airshow by Cathay Pacific’s choice to incorporate 26 A350-1000s into its fleet.

In the single-aisle product segment, 29 additional orders and commitments for the A320neo (new engine option) product line from three airlines were unveiled at Farnborough, while the in-production A320ceo (current engine option) family – which is being made available with Airbus’ new Sharklet wingtip devices – was the subject of 57 orders and commitments.

Brégier said Airbus’ strategy to expand the company’s global footprint and enhance its presence in key market areas is supported by the game-changing move to create an A320 Family final assembly line in the United States. “We want to be the only aircraft manufacturer with a genuine worldwide presence,” he stated. “The decision to create the U.S. A320 production facility will bring us closer to customers in the world’s largest single-aisle market – delivering more value for our partners.”